This Sunday, April 7th, is World Health Day! This holiday is celebrated to increase awareness for global health. …But what does that have to do with a blog on a dental website? It gives us the opportunity to remind all of you about the link between oral health and overall health!
The Link Between Oral Health And Overall Health
Oral health and overall health go together like milk and cookies. (Ok- maybe that’s a poor analogy for a dentist to use. How about a toothbrush and toothpaste??) Not taking care of your oral health can lead to all sorts of problems. Aside from the more immediate results of a lack of oral hygiene, such as bad breath and red and/or bleeding gums, there are lots of consequences of not taking care of your mouth.
Poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease, or loss of bony support surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease has been shown to be associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. It has also been shown to be related to pre-term labor in pregnant women and low birth weights. Having cavities in the teeth can also cause all sorts of problems. If left untreated, cavities can grow to infect the pulp of the tooth and cause an infection in the bone. These can be very painful and can become quite dangerous if not addressed quickly.
Not only does maintaining your oral health help with better overall health– it also will help you hang onto your teeth for longer! Word on the street is that 100 years old is the new 80. Don’t you want to make sure that you have your own teeth to last for your lifetime?
Maintaining Healthy Teeth For life
Here are some tips to keep your oral health in shape:
- Brush your teeth twice daily– we love an electric toothbrush with a 2 minute timer to make sure you’re brushing for the full recommended time!
- Clean in between the teeth at least once a day. The best way to do this is with floss, but if you can’t seem to make that work, interproximal brushes or a water flosser are a good back-up.
- Ask your dentist if an antimicrobial mouthrinse might be a good addition to your routine. They can recommend one that will work best for you!
- Try to curb your sweet tooth! Something sweet after dinner won’t disturb much, but snacking on candy or sipping soda throughout the day can increase your chances of doing harm to your teeth.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Let them know of any changes in your mouth or health history, including any changes with medications. Often times, medications can have a direct effect on the oral environment.
- Listen to your body! You know your mouth best. If something doesn’t feel (taste/smell/look) right, chances are there could be something going on. Don’t put off booking an appointment to tell your dentist what you’re experiencing.
Your team at Gallery57Dental is here to help you achieve and maintain your best oral health– not just on World Health Day, but all year long. Call 212.246.8700 to find out more information or click here to schedule an appointment. Follow Gallery 57 Dental on Facebook here!
